Michelle Lee On Air By: Marsha Channell
Artist Spotlight – Aaron Jones
When you sit down and listen to the music of Aaron Jones, you will immediately pick up on two things: a deep feeling of respect for traditional roots and an indisputable heart for sharing a message. We are excited to shine the Artist Spotlight on Aaron Jones for this month.
Aaron was born in Woodbine, Maryland but spent a lot of time growing up in Eastern Kentucky and East Tennessee with family. As faith, Appalachian heritage, and authentic craftsmanship have become deeply intertwined, it has been the lifelong calling for songwriter and producer Aaron Jones. The basis and foundation of Aaron’s love/skill of music was created by the early years through strong family ties along with unprompted harmonies of old congregational church singing. “Our church was always full of singing in that old congregational style where everybody joins in and people naturally pick out their own harmony parts” is how Aaron learned/developed an ear for vocal arrangement at a young age.
Unlike most artists, Aaron doesn’t necessarily remember his first performance as his mother would tell you that he sang before he talked. It was very clear that performance was not his focus, Aaron’s passion naturally led him to focusing his tales on songwriting, studio production and recording.
During his college years (Morehead University), most Saturday evenings were spent driving through country roads and allowing his creative mind to go free. One of those drives started with a little thought of “I Know That I Know” and ended the drive as a simple four-part cappella demo. That demo became Aaron’s first song recorded by a group. Who recorded it, you ask? It was The Primitive Quartet, a group that Aaron has listened to his entire life and admires in many aspects. Aaron reflects,” For them to be the first group to record one of his songs as a full bluegrass version on their 2012 album ‘He Included Me’ was a real blessing”.
Writing songs from bible stories can be easy but also a bit of wordsmithing at times. Aaron’s strong storytelling helped him dive into the Old Testament and the creation of the song “Gather All The People” inspired by King Josiah gathering the congregation to hear the rediscovered Book of the Law. Aaron will never forget writing “Gather All The People” as it started out by reading the book of Ezra and ended up being recorded at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios in London, featured on his project ‘Simple Gospel at Abbey Road’.
There are times in every songwriter’s career where the ideas go quiet. During the years that Aaron was navigating through his early career and family life, his return happened during a 45-minute commuter train ride into Washington, D.C. The ride gave the inspiration to write from the perspective of the Roman soldier at the cross. By the time the train reached its stop, “Truly This Is The Son Of God” was written. “That song was special because it proved to me that I could still write if I had the right inspiration,” says Aaron.
Beyond crafting lyrics and melodies, Aaron has honed his technical skills, studying mixing and production through Berklee College of Music to deliver radio-ready tracks. All the education and the heroes that Aaron has looked up to from Paul Williams great gospel songs, the picking of Tony Rice, sounds of classic artists like Elvis Presley and James Taylor and so many more has built an amazing foundation. If there was a chance to sit down with someone that has passed, Tony Rice would be the person Aaron would have chosen. He would love to have Tony teach him, very slowly and patiently, how to play ‘Church Street Blues’ exactly like he did.
When asked what advice he would offer to emerging songwriters and artists entering the industry, Aaron keeps it grounded in perspective: “Don’t write songs thinking you’ll make money, because it’s not worth it and you may not make any money anyway. Write songs because you enjoy writing them. If you put them out into the world and somebody else enjoys them too, then that’s just a bonus blessing.”
Rapid fire questions –
What is your favorite Holiday and why? Thanksgiving. You get all the good food and none of the stress of the Christmas season.
What is your favorite saying/quote? “If you’re any good at all, you know you can be better.” — Lindsey Buckingham
What is your dream destination? I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some pretty incredible places in my life, but I’m telling you honestly: being in a little country church when the power of God comes in is the best place you can ever be.
What is your favorite type of car? One that runs and has a decent sound system in it.
Do you have a hobby outside of music? Record collecting. I really enjoy hunting down older pressings and early releases and comparing how different versions sound. I probably pay more attention than a normal person should to what’s written in the deadwax of a record.
What is your favorite kind of Ice Cream? Plain vanilla. But if I’m feeling sporty, I’ll go with cookies and cream.
What is your favorite junk food? Ice cream.
Do you have any pet(s)? I have a little Cockapoo named Lucy. She’s a little needy, but fortunately she has latched onto my wife as her primary human rather than me.
What is your favorite book that you read or author that you like to read? I’m a history buff, so I tend to lean toward nonfiction and biographies. My favorite book is Witness by Whittaker Chambers.
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? Probably Tom Hanks.
What is your favorite movie line? “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” — The Godfather Part III
Announcements:
While Aaron Jones continues to write and create songs, experience the timeless message of faith from his album “Old Fashioned Gospel” which features five original songs including “Repent and Be Baptized”. And Aaron is currently compiling some tracks and polishing up some others to build the foundation for an album. Keep your ears and eyes open for music coming out by Aaron Jones – until then, check out all his work on the following streaming platforms: